Robo-Calls
I know it’s me against the world on this issue, but I really think robo-calls are a valuable source of political information. Not that I get my information from them, personally! It’s just that I would hate to see them disappear. What’s next? No mailing brochures to people? No knocking on doors reminding them to vote? No emailing them or campaigning in virtual realms like Second Life? (Notice my new positive attitude towards Second Life.)
It’s like advertising — everyone complains about how annoying it is, without considering that the flow of information would be constrained without it.
Sarah,
I’m totally with you. banning robo-calls is just wrong for all the reasons that you laid out and more.
Comment by Phil Eckelkamp — January 29, 2009 @ 3:12 p.m.
Banning robo calls is not the solution, but giving voters a way to opt-out is.
Simply add a check box to state and federal do not call registries and allow voters to opt out themselves.
Shaun Dakin
CEO
StopPoliticalCalls.org
Comment by Shaun Dakin — January 29, 2009 @ 3:50 p.m.
solution: don’t have a landline.
fogies.
Comment by vroman — January 29, 2009 @ 8:24 p.m.
Actually, landline or cell, politicians can call you.
See this Washington Post article about this.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/02/AR2008110202148.html?nav=emailpage
Shaun Dakin
Comment by Shaun Dakin — January 29, 2009 @ 10:43 p.m.
If you are learning about a candidate via robo calls, you are in poplitical trouble. Research your candidates to learn about them. Robo calls are highly misleading and interruptive.
If I turn on my television, I except to see a commercial. When I am home, I only want people calling me who I invite to call me.
Comment by NO Robo — January 31, 2009 @ 3:44 p.m.
I’ve never received a robo call via cell phone. We do get them at my work though although most are robo sales calls not political calls. I’m a freak in that I actually enjoy the survey calls I’ve gotten in the past during election years. I like to see what they think should matter to me.
Okay. I admit I also find amusement in their shock that a woman in her 20s is not a Democrat.
Comment by Sarah Anne — February 25, 2009 @ 5:38 a.m.